What’s the weather like on the Carretera Austral?
Here’s what to expect and how to pack for your bike adventure.
The Carretera Austral takes you through one of the most climate-diverse regions in the world. From rainforests in the north to windy plains in the far south, weather can change dramatically in a single day — and even within a single hour.
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🌤️☁️ Northern section: Puerto Varas to Puyuhuapi
• Rainy day in autumn, winter , even in summer you can get rain some days, hot hays in summer.
• Expect sudden showers, foggy mornings and cool afternoons.
• Temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C in summer.
✅ Bring: a good waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex style), rain pants, waterproof gloves, and dry bags.
🚫 Forget ponchos — the wind will tear them apart.
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🌤️ Central section: Coyhaique to Cochrane
• Generally drier, with some sunny days but still rain and wind are possible.
• Summer temps: 5°C to 22°C.
• Mornings can be chilly; afternoons often bring strong winds.
✅ Pack: layers, thermal shirt, windbreaker, neck warmer, and cap.
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Southern section: Cochrane to Villa O’Higgins
• Colder, more remote, more unpredictable.
• You might experience rain, hail, sun and wind — all in one day.
• Summer temps: 2°C to 18°C.
✅ Bring: warm hat, thermal socks, down or synthetic insulated jacket, waterproof shoe covers.
🏕️ Strong Patagonian winds can make camping tricky — peg your tent well.
General tips for cyclists:
• Always keep one dry emergency outfit sealed in a waterproof bag.
• The Ortlieb panniers we provide at Austral Bikes are fully waterproof.
• Don’t rely too much on weather forecasts — they’re often wrong in this area.
• Plan for shorter riding days (40–50 km) to stay flexible in bad weather.
• From April to September (fall and winter), expect more rain, possible snow in the south, and low temps.
